God's Will known...

The will of God is primarily and normatively moral. This lines up with the free will of man, for God has given revelation of His will and man is accountable to that revelation.
For this commandment which I command you today [is] not [too] mysterious for you, nor [is] it far off. (Deuteronomy 30.11-20)
The Law was specific revelation to each and all the people of Israel to govern their lives in whatever they did. 

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12.2) 
God's word is what the believer is to renew his mind in, judging all things by it, and then he will recognize God's will as that which is good, acceptable and perfect.

We need to bring every area of our life into alignment with God’s revealed will in His word, and you will recognize His way is best. 

We are accountable only to that Will of God which is revealed.
We can only have a humble acknowledgment about the unknown future and the unrevealed will of God: If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that. (James 4.13-17) This is about a humble admittance and proper perspective; it doesn't mean you will know God's specific individual will in advance.

Judges 6.14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, 'Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?' ... So Gideon said to God, 'If You will save Israel by my hand as You have said, look, I shall put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor...'

White: Gideon’s fleece has become the basis of a practice among some Christians which is called "putting out a fleece.” In essence, when you put out a fleece you say to God, If you really want me to carry out plan A, then please make the telephone ring at 9:10 p.m., then I will know that plan A is what you want.” (You can make the "fleece" anything you wish, just so long as it can serve as a “sign” to you.)

The fleece was for confirmation of God’s will: "Will you do what you said you would do?”
It was not to discover His Will: “Is this what you want me to do?”.

Gideon’s demand for further signs was an expression of doubt. Gideon knew what God would do.
He sought assurance that God would do it. ‘Putting out a fleece” is not the means to discover God's will.
A sign is not needed to verify His revealed will.

Decision making and knowing God’s Will must be according to revelation given.
If you lack faith, then pray for faith. The Word makes tough demands. Be obedient to the Word of God.
Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust the Lord, not your understanding, acknowledge Him in all.

Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord [said] to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do. (See Acts 9.1-19)
Paul enquires: Lord, what would you have me to do? That is, “What is your will for me?”
The answer from Christ: "You will be told what you must do."

This wasn’t the norm, to know God’s will individually except in the special cases of individual election, guidance, or prophecy.

God’s will for Paul was also revealed to another: Ananias. Wouldn't A witness to this “special" will solve outlandish claims many make about God's individual will for them?
The Lord informs Ananias that Paul is a “chosen vessel." This was a case of Individual election; "election" being chosen for service with a unique purpose.

Again, this was not the norm. God’s will for Paul was individual. He was chosen for a unique purpose .

The Will of God is always by revelation, and except in special cases, like Gideon and Paul, it is a corporate, moral will for His people.
That revealed Will in Scripture gives sufficient commands and guidelines to direct, make straight the path of the servant as indicated in Proverbs 3.6: In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct [make straight] your paths.
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It is the express will of God that believers assemble together. Hebrews 10.24-25 says, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.

Frequency of assembling is not indicated, but the fact of it is. And the purpose for it is to consider one another to stir up love and good works. Those who do not belong to a local assembly can not do this or have this benefit effectively. Hebrews 3.12-13 also says to "exhort one another daily." We exhort by example, testimony, teaching and proclamation. We must watch out for sin that hardens the heart. "Daily" would suggest an impossiblity for most people today as far as assembling, though it is true this can mean as we meet outside the assembly in our daily lives, but assemblying is important and must have sufficient frequency to accomplish certain spiritual goals. Those who don't assemble regularly--under normal conditions--need to be exhorted not to neglect the Body of Christ.

The "Parachurch" is not a substitute for the local church. It may meet a need, but it is not a substitute.

Assembling is necessary to encourage one another towards continuing in the faith. This was the concern of Paul for believers: Acts 14.21-22; 1 Thessalonians 3.1-5

Revelation 2.4-5 warns that the church "Left its first love."
I believe this love was that which originally characterized them for one another, which is essential in being a light-bearer, see John 17.20-23

1 Peter 4.10-11 says that as each have received a gift (function); they are to minister it (to serve and edify) to one another as good stewards (entrusted – duty of proportion) of the manifold grace of God.

EBC: One of the longstanding misconceptions in church practice is the idea that only one person is to "minister" in the local church. The biblical principle is that all can and should minister in one way or another.

2 categories of gifts in First Peter 4 are Speaking and Service.

Speaking is by the Oracles of God--the Divine utterance (was often brief). This has been hindered by tradition and expectations.

The speaking category involves teaching, exhortation, and admonishment according to established truth and understanding.

Those who minister are to serve the needs of the Church through helps, showing mercy, and giving by the general enabling of the Christian walk.
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Two things about Christian Liberty in connection with God's will...

1) Discern those things which Scripture expressly forbids.
Galatians 5.19-21 clearly sets forth the “works of the flesh,” and these things are clearly sins.

2) How does my liberty affect myself and others?

1 Corinthians 10.23 says that "not all edifies (builds up)." Something may not be a sin, but the activity may need to be judged by how it impacts yourself and others spiritually.
Don’t neglect family or Church in your liberty.

Romans 14.14 says that nothing is unclean of itself, but if one considers it as such, then it is. This a secondary issue of faith and conscience.
Don’t cause others to stumble, to go against their conscience and sin.
“Stumble” is figurative, meaning to "trip up"; it is when one is persuaded to do what one wrongly believes is sin. Such goes against his conscience and sins, disrupting his walk.

Don’t come under the power (mastery) of something,: 1 Corinthians 6.12.
Avoid or limit those things that become your master.
Don’t judge another’s freedom, Romans 14.1-6.
Don’t impose your preferences on others: this is legalism.
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Working was the will of God for man before the curse. Work is part of the Divine will and order. Adam was placed in Eden: Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. Genesis 2.15

Were you a slave when you were called? Don't let it trouble you--although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 1 Corinthians 7.21

Paul’s instruction here reveals no individual Divine will for a particular job to be sought. The primary thing is the moral will of God. In verses preceding this text, Paul says: Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God's commands is what counts. (vs 19) If you were a slave when you were saved and inducted into the people and purpose of God ("called"), then don't let it trouble you. Stay in that station in life; fulfill your obligation and be content with godliness. Whatever you do, even if a slave, keep God’s commandments. Let others see your manner of life, doing what even they have to do--work.

If you can be made free vs 21: Paul adds that if freedom can be obtained, then make use of it. Again, this is not an issue of finding the individual will of God for your life, but it is being wise in light of the opportunity. Improve your state if it is available and beneficial, financially and spiritually. We all work for the best pay and conditions, this is only wise. We need to also consider the spiritual implications.

Friesen: If opportunity comes along and it is expedient to take it, do so. His point was that people tend to concentrate on the wrong things. They pour their energies into changing their condition for their own sake rather than into changing the world for Christ’s sake.

You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men vs 23: Seek the work that gives you freedom to be a slave of God. Do not become indebted to man to hinder you in that service. And don’t live above means: debt is an issue for us, because it does enslave us; it affects us spiritually; it demands our time, puts strain on marriages.

Ask yourself...Will my job interfere with my obligations to family and church? Does my employer demand me to sin?

We have lots of options and opportunities today. Where we work is not a matter of determining an individual Divine will; it is a matter of personal choice and moral discernment. What matters is that one keeps the commandments of God.

Gary Friesen: Make it your goal in life not to change your status, but serve God as effectively and energetically as possible in whatever state you are in.

Three reasons why I should work and manage my living expenses wisely, under normal circumstances (not including disability or certain family obligations), as either a single person or as the provider in my home....

Reason #1-- 2 Thessalonians 3.6-12: Don't be a burden on others.

Paul set the example of working hard and constant. Believers responsible for own needs.
Paul commanded that if one didn’t work (by choice), then he shouldn't eat.

In the early Church, it was very giving, generous. They were not to take advantage of others or meddle in the lives of others, but to tend to your own business and provide for self.

Reason #2 1 Timothy 5.4,8: Believers are to provide for your own household

There were certain believing widows that were the Church’s responsibility to care for, yet first, the responsibility fell on the children of such, not on the Church or State first. Believers responsible for own family first. If they don't provide for own, then worse than unbeliever—for they know to provide for their own.

Parents should strive not to be a burden to their children, but if need arises, children should provide care for their parents.

Reason #3 Ephesians 4.28; Acts 20.33-35: Believers should be able to provide financial support for those in need.

New Testatment giving was always for meeting needs, not for tithing, which was only commanded under the Mosaic Law for maintenance of the priesthood and temple.

Giving to the church should be according to what we want to accomplish, maintaining a building, support for a pastor and missionary, and so on.

God’s will is that we provide in these areas; we must manage our lives and finances so we can meet these needs.
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Marriage is one of the biggest decisions in life to make because the commitment that it requires is life-long: what God has joined together, let not man separate, Matthew 19.6. The OT says that adultery is worse than fornication, Deuteronomy 22.22
In First Corinthians chapter 7.1, Paul says it is good for a man not to touch a woman. He means it is better not to marry.
Paul adds, vs 2: Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.
Sexual immorality is a basis for marriage, but not the only basis.

Jay Adams: Marriage is fundamentally a contractual agreement (called in Mal 2.14 a marriage by ‘covenant’) and not sexual union. Marriage is a formal (covenantal) arrangement between two persons to become each other’s loving companions for life. In marriage, they contract to keep each other from ever being lonely so long as they shall live. Our modern wedding ceremonies should stress this point more fully than they do.

Paul's view that it is good not to marry reveals to me that marriage is optional; it is a choice. But of course, it sexual desire is a problem, then one should marry. Of course, that is, if any one will have you! haha But I believe the issue addressed here reveals that it is not a matter of seeking the will of God about whether you should marry, but if you need to and choose to, then the will of God in marriage becomes the moral obligations God' requires in marriage.
1 Corinthians 7.3-5: If you do marry...render due affection to one another. Don't Neglect or deprive one another sexually---neglect may encourage infidelity, yet this does not justify infidelity. Also, I am not persuaded that separation for a time will not restore love in a marriage, yet there may be a need for separation if the spouse's life is in danger

1 Corinthians 7.6-9: Not having the necessity to marry is a gift from God, yet it is still a choice as to whether one marries. I'm sure that many choose not to marry, even though they still have sexual desire and a need for companionship.

Marriage has distraction in fuller service to God, but you can seek to work as a team in service to God.
If you marry, then you are to be committed to meet one another's needs, and I suggest to make the most of that relationship to serve God together. (Priscilla and Aquila worked together)

God’s will is fulfilled in accordance to the principles of marriage not finding that person chosen for you. The one chosen by God for you is the one you married.

Marriage is optional, but God’s moral will regulating marriage is not.
God’s will is not a specific mate as we see in First Corinthians 7.39: She is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.

Two Groups of married couples can be seen in the NT, as Jesus taught on and then Paul adds...

group 1:
1 Corinthians 7.10-11: Paul is saying that believers are to keep the marriage Covenant. If they “depart” that is separate by divorce (see Mark 10.9), they are to remain unmarried or be reconciled.

God hates divorce, see Malachi 2.16.
Yet the Bible recognizes, regulates divorce.
Not all divorces are sinful if due to...
1. sexual immorality
2. unbeliever wants to depart

group 2:
1 Corinthians 7.12 addresses the issue of a a mixed marriage between believer and non-believer; verses 12-13 address what Jesus didn’t mention. Paul says don’t divorce unbeliever when they want to stay in the marriage.

Vs 14 says the believer sanctifies (makes holy) the unbelieving spouse and the children; and I believe this is due to the Christian impact, see 1 Peter 3.1-2 and 2 Timothy 1.5

Verses 15-16 instruct the believing spouse to let "depart" (to separate by divorce, see Mark 10.9) the unbelieving spouse. A believer is not under “bondage” to the unsaved spouse

Divorce between two saved people could possibly fit under the instructions of verses 15-16 if one of the saved persons in the marriage can be counted like an unsaved person when things go the course of Matthew 18.15-17 in which the one who has done the wrong refuses to repent and be reconciled: Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.A nd if he refuses to hear them, tell [it] to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

Adams states that Divorce was a formal, legal act whereby the covenant of companionship was repudiated and dissolved.
There are 2 reasons that justifies a divorce without sinning: sexual immorality and if the unbeliever departs. Yet divorce is not demanded.

First Corinthians 7.39-40 reveals that death releases one from the covenant of marriage; such are free to marry whomever they want, but “in the Lord.” Believers are to marry believers! Yet to remain single is better, see verses 32-35. Paul assumes single people are more devoted to the Lord.

Marriage has distractions, but they are approved by God. If a married person can serve God, then much more the single person—without distraction.
Having children appears to be a choice, and most married Christians exercise that choice by the number they have: how many married couples ask God's individual will about the number? Should you have one child or thirteen? If one can choose whether or not to marry, then having children and the number of children is also optional. It may seem selfish to be married and not have children, but marriage is first for companionship, and if one can choose to live without that companionship, then why can't those who marry choose not to have kids?
The will of God with Children is a moral one; if you have children, you are to raise them up according to God's revealed moral will.
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Children are a priority In Deuteronomy 6.4-7: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord [is] one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

Yes, this is Old Testament, but the principles are applicable to Christians.
1. Teach your children the word of God.
2. It is to be a part of your daily life: when you sit, walk, lie down, and rise up.
BKC: The moral and biblical education of the children was accomplished best not in a formal teaching period each day but when the parents, out of concern for their own lives as well as their children’s, made God and His Word the natural topic of a conversation which might occur anywhere and anytime during the day.

Proverbs 22.6 says to train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

“Train up” is hard work. The word also means to “dedicate.”

Proverbs 22. 15 says that foolishness [is] bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him.

1. This speaks of corporeal punishment, or spanking.
There is a right way and wrong way. If done the wrong way, spanking does more harm than good. If there is no love from the one who spanks, then spanking will fail.

2. This says that foolishness is driven out by the corporeal punishment. I believe the aim in spanking is to train a child to have a change of heart. Spanking is a hardship and consequence. Parents have to discern how long to employ such a method. This is the parent’s responsibility.

Ephesians 6. 4 says, And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

1. The primary responsibility rests on the father.
When the father is at home, he should carry out discipline. He is the head of the home and is the responsible one.

2. do not provoke them: I believe the next line explains this...but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. You need to bring your children up with the proper instruction as to why certain behavior is expected of them. That behavior must have the authority of God’s word. If you make demands without preparing them or give a proper basis, then you will provoke them to wrath when you make such demands. Instruct them from God’s word the correct way along with the warning from God’s word for willful disobedience. Remind them: Children obey your parents in the Lord...that it may be well with you. Eph 6.1-3